Entry Instance

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{
    "id": 1240725,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/1240725/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 223,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Hon. Speaker",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": null,
    "content": "Hon. Members, Party Whips are and have been an invaluable cog to the continuity of parliamentary business. Erskine May, a renowned authority on parliamentary procedure notes: “The efficient and smooth running of the parliamentary machine depends largely upon the Whips.’’ Erskine May further outlines the nature of the duties undertaken by Whips that makes them deserving of this lofty status. In this regard, Erskine May also notes: “Certain duties are common to Whips of all parties: to keep their Members supplied with information about the business of the House; to secure the attendance of Members; to arrange, when possible, for those of their Members who cannot attend divisions to ‘pair’ with others on the opposite side of the House so that their votes might not be lost; to suggest Members to serve on general and certain select committees; and to act as intermediaries between the leaders and the parliamentary membership of their parties in order to keep each informed of the views of the other.” Hon. Members, this authority creates a very strong nexus between facilitation of the business of the House and the office of the Whip or the Deputy Whip. In this regard, I am of the considered view that the Standing Orders of the National Assembly are deliberately worded to ensure the continuity of parliamentary business."
}